Wooster to Israel 2011

Here's a cool YouTube video we taped in Jaffa

2011-02-06T04:40:00.001+02:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzIlu-j_GRE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

We are Back!

2011-01-29T23:46:00.000+02:00

We got in to Wooster after noon. Just in time for Fr. Steve to get back to his flock.

Pools of Bethesda

2011-01-29T23:38:00.001+02:00

On our last day we saw the pools where Jesus healed the paralytic.

We are in Philly

2011-01-29T13:31:00.001+02:00

Yad Vashem

2011-01-27T23:03:00.000+02:00

Today, January 27, is International Holocaust Remembrance Day and this was the day that we visited Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem. Two years ago I was deeply moved here. This day was no different.

On the grounds there is a memorial to the 1,500,000 children who were killed in the Holocaust. This memorial does an incredible job of representing the souls of these children. Even before I stepped in to the memorial, I started thinking of the children in my life; my nieces and nephews, my children, friends from church, work and school. The pain would be tremendous to have just one die, but to lose half of them because of hatred would be unbearable.

Christina Taylor Green, the 9 year old, recently shot and killed in Arizona gives me a glimpse at this hurt. A needless death that is oh so difficult to understand. How difficult it must be for the neighbor that took her to this event. Even though this neighbor is guilty of nothing more than being a friend, I am afraid that they could be blaming themselves. I so empathize with their pain.

Remember that life is precious and every day is a once-in-lifetime event. There is no rewind on our lives.

Working for Falafel

2011-01-27T22:29:00.000+02:00

Mohommed at the Old City Fast Food Stand

If you are short on cash you can always help him out

Try making your own falafel with this great recipe from DeDeMed.

Good news and bad news

2011-01-27T13:20:00.001+02:00

We are having a great time, and it gets to continue. Flights are cancelled in Philly so we are staying a day longer. We will be getting back on Saturday morning.

One Last Mission

2011-01-27T12:36:00.000+02:00

We just spent the morning in the Old City. Some of us walked on the ramparts from the Jaffa Gate to the Damascus Gate. It was fun to be out on our own without the tour guide. We started recognizing places we had visited and didn't feel so lost.

Mary Jicha saw Donna knitting socks on the plane and told her about a friend who buys yarn on her travels and makes socks from them. So we had a mission this morning. Find sock yarn in Jerusalem. We went to the textile section of shops in the Old City and they directed us to go outside the Damascus gate and ask for Abu Abdulla (sic). We started heading that way, but got distracted at a falafel stand and even got to make our own falafel. We ate the lamb and falafel pitas in a hooka bar across the alley as the old men smoked and drank coffee and young children ran around. It was really nice.

When we got outside the gate and crossed the street we ask a grocery store owner where Abu Abdulla was at. He didn't understand English or the name, but when I pantomimed knitting he told be to take a left and go 3. Three what I didn't know, but we headed that way. We found a tailor and went in and there was a beautiful lady who spoke better English then me ;-). She told us to keep on going down the street and it would be next to a sweet shop. As we were walking Donna saw ribbon in the back of a store. We went back and I was certain she was back in the stock room, but no one said anything to her. There she found some beautiful St. Mary blue sock yarn.

Mission Accomplished.

And then we road Charlie the Camel

2011-01-26T18:50:00.000+02:00

I was insistent on getting a camel ride and it was fun. Turns out that 11 of us went for a ride. It was a good day for Mohommed the camel jockey.

Challenging Us at the Garden

2011-01-26T18:46:00.000+02:00

Fr. Steve gave a very powerful homily in a very powerful place. The Garden of Gethsemane is one of my favorite places in Jerusalem, and that was where we headed to first thing this morning. Its ancient olive trees, an incredible church, and its location across the valley from the Eastern gate on the Mount of Olives make it quite an experience.

This is the place where the disciples could not stay awake for even an hour after Jesus had asked them to do that while he went and prayed. Each time he found them asleep he told them to awake and pray. He could of told them go away, but he stuck with them, even in their weakness.

Fr. Steve ask us if there has there been a time when we have stood by someone in their time of need, even when are head is telling us that they have brought this on themselves, but we know in our heart that we need to support them? This made me think what I have done and haven't done for the homeless that live less then a mile from my house under a bridge in Wooster. My office has taken them food, but they need more support. Physical, spiritual, mental. Maybe I just need to stop and spend time listening to them. Maybe it is breaking bread with them.

Above all, I can't harden my heart to my fellow man. I don't want to be the one that just drives by and points them out. I want them to know that same love that I have received from our community. Please pray that I will find the strength and wisdom to treat my neighbor as myself.

A sign on a church we visited said:
"If you enter here as a tourist we hope you leave a pilgrim.
If you enter here as a pilgrim we hope you leave holier."
Amen!

I pray that each of my fellow pilgrims and others following along have grown holier through our experiences.

Qumran

2011-01-26T14:57:00.002+02:00

Learning about the Dead Sea scrolls.

Masada

2011-01-26T12:57:00.001+02:00

Half the group was heroic and hiked down from mountain top palaces.

Dead Sea Ag

2011-01-26T09:56:00.001+02:00

Date palms

Garden of Gethsemane

2011-01-26T09:31:00.001+02:00

More prayer after mass.

And We Took Photos

2011-01-25T20:49:00.002+02:00

Here are 600+ photos that Jim Jicha has taken already.

Emotion, Excitement and Exercise

2011-01-25T17:23:00.000+02:00

When Yair, our beloved tour guide, told us our wake-up call for today would be 4:30am I groaned inside, however I didn't hear anyone on the bus groan out loud which made me very pleased.

We left the hotel at 5:30am to head for the Jaffa Gate. Five minutes later we were entering the Old City with the stars still in the sky. What a treat. It was so quiet, with all of the shops shuttered. A few cats were running around and a lady was locking up a mosque as she was leaving. Past experiences of the Old City had been so busy, hectic, and confusing that it seemed like this morning we were sneaking in before it was opening.

We walked into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre around 5:50am and again it was quiet. We went straight to the tomb and it was then I realized we were having mass INSIDE the tomb. I had thought we were going to have it in a chapel next to the tomb, but thanks be to God, we celebrated mass in a most sacred spot. A spot where we have commemorated the resurrection for over a thousand years. Millions of pilgrims have come to this spot and you feel the universality of our faith here.

It was an emotional mass, especially during the reading of the Gospel, and included many special prayer intentions. The sun had risen when we came out of the tomb and it was a glorious day. The group was excited from this experience, which was good because we had quite a day ahead of us.

We headed for the Western Wall to pray. Some had written prayers to put in the cracks of the walls, as is the tradition. Of all of the places we visit this is the most powerful for me. I don't need to try to pray here, the prayer comes to me. It was awesome.

We then walked through a recently excavated tunnel which goes along the length of the Western Wall below the Muslim Quarter. There are stones that are larger then stones used to build the pyramids. When we came above ground we were near the Damascus gate and walked back to our hotel for a satisfying breakfast. It was a whole day in just a morning. We didn't need any more exercise, but after a rest we ventured out for more, but those stories will have to wait for another day.

City of David

2011-01-25T15:00:00.001+02:00

Now that's a good name for city!

In the Tomb

2011-01-25T08:00:00.001+02:00

Sunrise mass. What an experience.

The Shepherd's Fields in Bethleham

2011-01-24T21:22:00.000+02:00

Mike Houghtaling, our birthday boy today, read from the Gospel of Luke the account of the angels visiting the shepherds. When I first suggested he read the gospel because we were at a quiet spot, he balked saying he wanted to do it in a more authentic spot. Once I realized that we were on the edge of the Judean Desert, but the grass was lush and green and drip irrigation pipes were running everywhere I started to understand. We ventured closer to the actual fields and he read the account.

He then shared a reflection with us on how the fields in Israel are not like what we think of as a pasture in the US. The fields are mainly rocks with sparse vegetation in between. The shepherd doesn't herd the flock, but leads it along well worn paths in the fields. Much how Jesus lights the way along the path of righteousness.

We are pretty tired and going to hit the hay early. We have mass at 6am in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the we are going to tour the tunnel along the Western Wall, and then walk back to the hotel for breakfast. What a start to the day.

Thanks to all who are praying for us. We are raising you up in our prayers and everything is going well.

Palm Sunday

2011-01-24T15:29:00.001+02:00

We are walking down the Mount of Olives towards Jerusalem.

Border crossing at Bethlehem

2011-01-24T14:15:00.001+02:00

A Happy Olive Wood Salesman

2011-01-24T13:44:00.001+02:00

Boosting the Bethlehem economy.

Excitement on Mt. Tabor

2011-01-23T23:22:00.001+02:00

Today's blog will be short. Too many laptops at the hotel and no wireless spots left, so I am writing this from my phone.

We celebrated mass in the Elijah chapel in the Church of the Transfiguration on Mt.Tabor. Excitement again comes into play as the disciples want to erect booths to honor Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. Jesus reins them in and tells them that there is a greater mission to be completed. Were they disappointed that they couldn't stay to celebrate this incredible event?

This makes me think about what I do. Is it in God's plan, or is it something that is going to distract me?

Our ride down the mount was also exciting as a cab driver that loves his job gave us a thrill flying down the switchbacks.

We then made our way to the coast, down to Tel Aviv and then ascended into Jerusalem. We walked the streets tonight and can't wait to head out on Monday.

Caeserea Maritime

2011-01-23T22:40:00.001+02:00

Touring a theater built by Herod the Great.

Aquaduct at Caeserea

2011-01-23T14:18:00.001+02:00

Photos from Day 2

2011-01-22T23:48:00.001+02:00

The Bazaar in Nazareth

View from Mount Precipice

Nazarene Butcher

Friendly Local in Cana

Renewal of Wedding Vows in Cana Today

2011-01-22T23:28:00.000+02:00

Two years and 1 week ago today I was a witness to the renewal of wedding vows of my fellow pilgrims at Cana. It was a special moment for the couples that were there, more than a few tears were shed, and I knew then that someday I was going to bring Donna here to celebrate our marriage.

It wasn't easy to convince her to make a trip to the Holy Land. I started the week after I got back. She is much more practical minded and wanted to wait until the everyone was out of the house. After much encouraging and over a year later she changed her mind.

Flash forward to today and we were standing there holding our hands and renewing our vows in Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle. After 25 years you understand a lot better what those vows truly mean and quite a few tears were shed. Marriage hasn't been an easy vocation for us, but our love is still strong and God is truly present in our marriage.

The reception tonight was great. Sitting with our friends on the patio with a couple of bottles of Cana's finest, pretzels & crackers. The lights twinkling around the shore of the Sea of Galilee made it magical. The excitement from the day has carried over into our laughing and story telling. I can't imagine how excited those wedding guests must of been when Jesus turned the water into the finest wine. Did they understand what had just happened? Did anyone try to take one of the clay jugs home with them? I know that would have been my thought.

I pray that the excitement I see around me today will be long lasting and shared with many. Also, I pray that having shared this excitement with Donna will make our marriage grow stronger.

Making friends

2011-01-22T16:34:00.002+02:00

Don't be jealous Vic, you aren't going to be replaced. These are outside cats we are finding.

On Mt. Carmel

2011-01-22T15:53:00.003+02:00

Reading about Elijah confronting the prophets of Baal.

Tomb with rolling stone

2011-01-22T15:53:00.001+02:00

Same time period as Jesus.

Photos from Day 1

2011-01-21T21:22:00.001+02:00

On the Sea of Galilee

Watching the Sunset

The Excitement Continues

2011-01-21T19:12:00.001+02:00

Today was a busy day. 7 stops with reading, reflecting and devouring knowledge.

The theme that has kept popping up in my reflections has been excitement. My excitement, the excitement of my fellow pilgrims, the excitement 2000 years ago of the residents of the Galilee region. We started our journey by taking a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. You can see little villages that dot the hills in the area, and I could imagine the word spreading from village to village about a messiah being in the area.

We stopped at the Church of the Beatitudes and read the beatitudes while looking over a natural theater setting next to the Sea of Galilee. How did those people feel when they heard Jesus' message? I am sure that some were angry because they wanted a messiah to lead a violent revolution, others were probably uneasy at his message because it made them uncomfortable, or excited because the message resonated with them. This made me think about how his message makes me feel and especially what does my response need to be.

We also went to Tagbha which is where we commemorate the feeding of the multitudes. Again, I thought of the excitement of the crowd that would traverse around the Sea of Galilee to meet up with Jesus. What were they thinking? What were their needs? What did their children think of all of this? Was there a family like mine in the crowd? For me this story makes me reflect on the trust I have in the Lord. The disciples had to trust that they could feed 5,000 with a few loaves of bread and some fish. This made me reflect on things in my life that I am reluctant to turn over to God. Why don't I trust 100%?

We are having a great time and the weather is incredible. We got back early today and we enjoyed a sunset over the Sea of Galilee sitting in our deck chairs. Wish you were here.

I will upload some pictures later. Supper is served.

Day 1 & 2 - Getting There

2011-01-20T21:28:00.000+02:00

We started off the trip in a fun fashion thanks to super traveler Kristie Shoulders. Even though she isn't on the trip her mother, Peg Lent, is and brought along a fun trivia game that we all got to be successful at. David Munn was the winner of the grand prize and appreciated his granola bars on the trip over.

The trip over was very smooth. We arrived at our resort on the Sea of Galilee at 7:30pm, we were tired after a 22 hour trip, but quickly bounced back after a delicious supper. Kevin Snyder approved the place after his first plate of food. We were able to try things we hadn't before like braised fennel and baby eggplant.

Thank you for all of your prayers. Tomorrow we start off with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and will end up with a renewal of our baptism vows in the Jordan River, and much in between. We are planning on getting back to enjoy a sunset on the Sea of Galilee.

Presentation from December Meeting

2010-12-29T16:55:00.000+02:00

Tour Guide Visits Wooster

2010-06-29T22:01:00.000+03:00

Yair Mazur, the tour guide for the upcoming pilgrimage to the Holy Land recently made a visit to Wooster. Here is a video of his presentation.

You will need to download the Veoh Player to watch the entire presentation. There will be a link to the player after you have viewed the first 5 minutes.

The itinerary and registration are available for those interested.

Watch Yair's Talk in Wooster

2011 Holy Land Pilgrimage Announcement

2010-03-17T00:34:00.000+02:00

If you have thought of making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, now is the time. Father Stephen Moran and I will be leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from January 19 to 28, 2011. The pilgrimage is being organized by Ami Travel. This is the same tour company that I traveled with in 2009. More information and a registration form are available online.

Women's Civic Club Talk

2009-11-05T03:21:00.001+02:00

Polly Dodenhoff, Marceile Dundon and I gave a presentation to the Women's Civic Club. Here is the slide show that we used.

Pork is Safe Video

2009-05-02T06:22:00.002+03:00

Check out the new OARDC video that my oldest two and me star in at OARDC's YouTube channel. Expert pork flipping.

This Story has Legs

2009-01-30T15:36:00.002+02:00

The Bacon Explosion is exploding. It was on Yahoo's front page and was just on Fox's morning show. Now they think I may be Joe the Plumber or a Jew.

Blog in NY Times

2009-01-28T21:00:00.002+02:00

I just got a phone call from Connie Britton (OARDC librarian) and an email from Rebecca (my niece) that the blog was quoted in the NY Times. What a hoot. Especially once you see the article.

And we took pictures

2009-01-26T20:49:00.003+02:00

I have just finished uploading over 7,000 photos to flickr. These are photos that several people took while on the trip. I have organized them by location that we visited. Have fun.

Mt. of Beatitudes

2009-01-23T19:51:00.001+02:00

Sea of Galilee

2009-01-23T19:20:00.001+02:00

Back Home, Safe and Sound

2009-01-22T13:19:00.006+02:00

The trip back to Wooster seemed easier then the trip out. Getting a big group through the airport can be a bit challenging with customs and trams and security, but we did it.

Riding in the bus back to Wooster, Father Dan reflected that this trip was like bowling a 300 game. That was even after his luggage didn't show up at Cleveland. He attributed it to the fact that we had so many people praying for us with all our families, friends and prayer partners.

I would like to thank all who through their prayers and support made this trip possible for me to go. A big thanks to Father Dan for asking me a few months ago "Dave, what are you doing in January?" and then helping me to make it a reality. Lastly, thanks to Donna for not even pausing to think, but saying a big YES when I asked her about the trip.

I would also like to thank Joe Karabinus for sharing his photos with me for the blog. I have the photos from about 12 of my fellow pilgrims and over the next few days I plan on putting up some slide shows and videos of our trip. Keep tuned.

Shalom,

David Lohnes

The Last Day in Israel

2009-01-22T11:47:00.003+02:00

On the last day of our pilgrimage we visited the Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial) and the Western Wall tunnels.

The Yad Vashem was a very emotional experience. They have a children's memorial for the approximately 1.5 million children that were murdered in the Holocaust. It is a representation of the souls of all of these children and it was overpowering. As I walked through the cavern I thought of all of the children in my life and the sorrow I would have if this would happen to them. It was hard for me to leave this spot. On the grounds of the memorial they have trees planted for the Righteous. These are gentiles who risked their lives and the lives of their families to protect Jews during the Holocaust. There are 20,000 people recognized for this honor. It made me think about how history would have turned out if 2,000,000 neighbors, colleagues, and/or friends of these Jews would of had the faith and courage to act in such a heroic way. It really made me reflect on injustices that continue to occur to people in my life and what I can do on a personal level to help.

Thanks to Paul Kauffman's urging, our last tour for the trip was the Western Wall Tunnels. This is a massive archaeological project that provides a glimpse at the immense building skills of King Herod the Great. We saw the placement of stones weighing 100's of tons and stone carving so precise that it did not require mortar to build the wall as the stones fit together perfectly. Along the wall ran a road made of large stones. This would have been contemporary to Jesus' time and it was exciting to walk on the same stones that Jesus may have traveled.

We then traveled to Joppa (Yafo) for our last supper together. Fittingly it was in the upper room of a restaurant, but this room was on the shores of the Mediterranean with the lights of Tel Aviv flickering in the distance. While we were traveling to Joppa the inauguration of Barak Obama as our 44th president occurred. Not only was their excitement in the US about the inauguration, but there was much interest in Israel. We listened to the inauguration speech on the radio (as it was being translated into Hebrew) and prayed for our new president. At the restaurant they had a TV playing with the inauguration festivities. When they started to play the Star Spangled Banner our entire group stood up and sang with pride and joy. Father Dan said that our guide and bus driver were blown away at our response as they knew that we were not all Obama supporters. However, in our hearts we strive to be One Nation under God, with Justice and Liberty for All.

Geocaching in Israel

2009-01-20T11:00:00.002+02:00

Peg, Judy and I went on a treasure hunt about a kilometer from our hotel. It is in a park called Gan Sacar. We went through the Knessett (their parliament building) and through a beautiful rose garden and ended up meeting a bird watcher named Rebekah (I have a ornithologist niece named Rebecca). Judy found the cache in a nook in the rocks and I left a wooden nickel and took a wooden nickel. It was a beautiful walk.

Group Photo

2009-01-20T10:45:00.005+02:00

By popular demand here is the group photo after a float in the Dead Sea. Our bus driver, Mohammed, is on the right. He is the best driver in all of Israel, taking us to alleys that I wouldn't wanted to have driven through with a Honda Civic. We have had a wonderful time and really have become a tight-knit community.

The Old City of Jerusalem

2009-01-18T17:28:00.004+02:00

Today we started with Mass at the Garden of Gethsemane. The church is designed to simulate the lighting at dusk and it works. The altar is next to the rock that Jesus is said to have prayed on. There was an echo in the church that just hung on forever. In the garden are olive trees that they say are 2000 years old. After seeing them, I don't think I would argue.

We then went to the Old City and enter the city in the Moslem Quarter to start the Via Dolorosa or better known to us as the Stations of the Cross. We carried a large cross with us through the streets, alleys and market places of the city. We were even mocked by some as we progressed through the streets. We ended up at the tomb of Christ in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Five different churches laid claim to this spot and it is sad to hear of their disagreements. It is so bad they have to have a Muslim in charge of the keys to the church. It was neat to see the pilgrims from all over the world coming to this location.

We then made are way to the Wailing Wall or what the Israelis prefer to call the Western Wall since 1948. There were hundreds of Jews praying with their whole bodies at the wall. I put on my yarmaluke and proceeded to the wall to pray where others have prayed for over a 1000 years. This was the most moving part of the trip for me as images of family and friends just rolled through my mind as I leaned against the wall. It was awesome. I am so blessed to be here and to be able to share it with so many.

Thank you for your prayers. Some ankles are swollen and some knees are stiff, but it hasn't slowed us down.

Church of the Nativity

2009-01-17T20:07:00.004+02:00

We had an exciting morning crossing into Palestine to go Bethleham to see the Shepherd's Field and the Church of the Nativity. Our tour guide is Israeli so he couldn't go, but our driver is Palestinian so he could enter. We met another guide and had a great time. Lot's of merchants selling "must have" items on the sidewalks. It is amazing how items get cheaper as we start to board the bus. We are going to have to get more luggage to haul this stuff home.

Father Dan had a moving celebration of Mass in St. Jerome's Chapel in the basement of the Church of the Nativity. He talked about how the stable had room for all of the animals plus Mary, Joseph and Jesus and to remember that there is room for all of us. We could hardly move in the chapel, nice and cozy.

We also went to the Mount of Olives and walked the path that Jesus walked on his entrance to Jerusalem. For me it was such an honor to share that journey with so many new friends.

On a lighter note, I have learned to play two new card games: Haffsenpepper (bid euchre) and Bridge (maybe I haven't learned bridge quite yet, lousy cards but good card sense).

Tomorrow we spend the day within the Old City Walls.

Pictures

2009-01-17T07:15:00.005+02:00

Some pictures from the trip so far:

"I am the Lord's servant"

2009-01-16T22:58:00.004+02:00

We visited the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth today. When I walked it to the basilica it was overwhelming. It was modern yet beautiful and had mosaics of Mary from countries all over the world. We celebrated Mass in the lower church next to the grotto where the Annunciation has been recognized to have happened since the 4th century. We talked about how we can be a willing servant of God and do his will.

We later proceeded to Jerusalem. It is Shabbat (sabbath) for the practicing Jews which means they can't press elevator buttons. It struck me as humorous to find them standing in an elevator waiting for someone to come in that can push a button. They can thank the rabbis at Tiberious (which we visited last night) whom created the Talmud for that decision.

Renewing our baptismal vows

2009-01-15T22:56:00.003+02:00

We stopped at the Jordan River this afternoon to renew our baptismal vows. It was not quite my impression of what the Jordan River would be like. I am sure John the Baptist didn't have a railing and steps leading down to the water or a gift shop and towels to rent.

Despite the commercialism of the spot we did have a very nice experiance in the cold waters of the Jordan River. Reading the scripture in the Holy Land is a very moving experiance.

Everyone here wants their loved ones to know that they are doing well. We all feel very safe and secure in Israel and they appreciate the comments you are leaving on the blog.

Also, to all of the prayer partners out there, you are doing a fantastic job. We have had fabulous weather, seen few crowds, are making lots of new friends and growing in our faith as we progress on this pilgrimage.

If you are wondering where the pictures are, my computer battery is not charging on this crazy Israeli electrical current. So I am using a computer at the hotel that won't take my memory card. Hopefully this will be resolved tomorrow as we journey down the Mediterranean coast and head east to Jerusalem and will be staying at the Jerusalem Ramada.

Renewing of Wedding Vows at Cana

2009-01-15T14:32:00.004+02:00

We just visited Cana and 12 couples on the trip renewed their wedding vows. Over 400 years of marriage among those couples (turning water into wine was just the start of the miracles) . Outside of the church we were able to purchase Cana Wine for the reception. As an extra stop we are going to be touring a diamond cutting factory in Tiberias later today. That way all of the husbands can purchase a suitable token of their appreciation for their wives. Below is pictured Joe and Nancy Karabinus (St. Peter's) after the renewal ceremony.

We are at the "Jesus Boat" museum in the Kibbutz Ginosar. It is a 2000 year old boat that was discovered in the Sea of Galilee in 1986 during a drought.

Happy Birthday John!

2009-01-14T17:40:00.002+02:00

It is my son John's 12th Birthday today:

Hope you are having a great 12th birthday today. I know the percussion section had to like the cookie that Mom made. We raised you up to God in the prayers of petition at Mass today. We celebrated Mass above the house of the mother-in-law of Peter. It is mentioned in Luke 4: "After he left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them." Father Dan challenged us to be a healing presence to the people in our lives. Just think how words of encouragement can uplift people and even heal broken feelings.

On more of a BOY note, I did see some tanks and a soldier with an assault rifle (he was waiting for a bus) as we traveled through the Golan Heights which border Syria and Lebanon. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures. We also had a fish lunch and the fish head was still attached. It was good eating, even down to the fat in the fish cheeks.

We Made It!

2009-01-13T22:57:00.004+02:00

We had long flight and a great landing in to Tel Aviv. The turbulance was exciting, especially when it hits in the middle of a stroll and I about fell into a row of sleeping passengers. I sat next to the matriarch of the trip, 96 year young Dorothy Tyler, and got a kiss when we landed (maybe I stole it). In the photo we are heading to pick up our luggage.

We were met by our guide Yair and we took a bus ride up to the Sea of Galilee to our hotel at Ein Gev. The ride was beautiful with the moon seemingly rising over every hill. When we descended in to the Jordan Valley the moon was shining off of the Sea of Galilee. It was quite the heavenly welcome. They had supper ready for us and it was fantastic. However, I think my colleague Matt makes much better hummus.

Everyone is in good spirits. Father Dan is reminding us to be flexible and go with the flow.

Tomorrow we are taking a boat ride over to Capernaum. Forecast is for upper 70's. :)

Henry and His Bar Mitzvah

2009-01-13T22:30:00.002+02:00

On the plane ride we had the pleasure of 13 year old Henry and his extended family on the trip with us. I asked the beaming grandfather what the trip to Israel was for since the whole family was going and he said that they are going to have Henry's Bar Mitzvah at the Western Wall on Thursday. He then added that hopefully the boy's father would show up. Turns out the father, the son-in-law of the grandfather, had let his passport expire and didn't realize it until they showed up at the airport. Even I haven't done something that stupid (close but no cigar). Maybe with enough money he got his passport update today and will get a flight Wednesday.

Minding our time in JFK

2009-01-13T04:35:00.003+02:00

Here is the group checking in to El Al Airlines. The line was incredibly long until the head of security came up and asked for our leader. Father Dan sweet talked him into taking our group up to the front.

After taking this picture the biggest, burliest Israeli came over and asked for my passport and grilled me about my motives. They are extremely serious about security. Now to wait for our midnight ride. They say in the brochure that music will start to play when we get within site of Israel.

One of many blessings

2009-01-12T20:13:00.003+02:00

Usually on Monday mornings Donna and I attend mass at one of the nursing homes in town. This morning I was doing last minute chores before the trip and didn't make it. At 9:40am I got a phone call from Father Steve and my first thought was that he was wondering why I wasn't at mass. It turns out that the whole congregation was on speaker phone sending me off. What a wonderful surprise.

Next step: fly to NYC and then a midnight ride on El Al to Tel Aviv.

Getting that pork quota in before we leave

2009-01-10T05:40:00.003+02:00

On Fridays at my office we cook and eat lunch together. This Friday we had a Bacon Explosion. It wasn't planned as a send off for me to Israel, but with all of the pork involved it sure seemed like it. Bacon wrapped in sausage wrapped in bacon is amazing. For those brave enough the recipe can be found at BBQ Addicts.

Yes! We are still going

2009-01-10T05:33:00.005+02:00

With all of the conflict going on in Israel we have gotten lots of questions wondering if we are still going to Israel. The answer is a resounding YES. In a recent homily Father Steve extolled us to bring peace with our visit. Hopefully we will be able to let God use us as instruments of hope on this journey.

Prayer Partners

2008-12-20T03:35:00.000+02:00

500 parishioners have already signed up to pray for a pilgrim each day of the journey. The pilgrims will be praying for their prayer partners during this time. It is so great to see the entire parish supporting this pilgrimage in a spiritual way. I would like to thank all that are participating in this endeavour.

About the Trip

2008-12-20T03:12:00.001+02:00

A group of 50 Catholics from the Wooster, Ohio and surrounding area are being led by Fr. Dan Reed of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Due to the generosity of others I have been blessed with the opportunity of a lifetime. We will be leaving Cleveland on January 12th and arriving in Tel Aviv the next evening. The first three days will be spent around the Sea of Galilee and on the third day we will travel down the Mediterranean coast on the way to Jerusalem. We will tour the Jerusalem area for three days and have a free day in Jerusalem. On the 21st we will return to Cleveland.

You can view the itinerary for the trip in Google Maps. This contains a map with all of the planned stops. By clicking on the stop you will see more information about each location.